Ophthalmologist
Michael Pohlod, M.D., grew up in Northville, Michigan, just a few miles away from the University of Michigan campus. His parents both attended the school and took him to football games as a kid. Becoming an avid Michigan fan was easy and the passion for his beloved Wolverines continues to this day.
As a kid, Michael spent a lot of his time playing sports but as he continued to grow up, academics became more and more of a priority. He liked science and developed a keen interest in medicine every time he would have an appointment with his pediatrician.
“I admired the way my doctor’s confidence and calm demeanor could make me feel better, even if I was sick as a dog,” Michael remembers. “I would ask him questions about being a doctor and what it took to enter the profession.”
The more he learned about being a doctor, the more he wanted to become one. By the time he finished high school, he was committed to a future in the field of medicine.
“To no one’s surprise, I enrolled at the University of Michigan,” he says with a laugh. “There was no other option as far as I was concerned. And, it was a great experience. Michigan has a fantastic Pre-Med program and I jumped into it with both feet.”
While at the university, he volunteered at a local Hospice, joined a medical 
fraternity, Phi-Chi, and played intramural sports but his academic life was always his priority. Because of that drive and dedication, Michael went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, graduating with distinction.
After Michigan, it was on to Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, for medical school. While Michael was rotating through various medical disciplines, he started thinking about Ophthalmology as a concentration. The more he learned about this specialty through observation and speaking with upper-level students, the more he realized that he wanted to pursue it as a career.
“I was intrigued by the challenge the field of Ophthalmology presented, the opportunity to perform surgery and the constant technological breakthroughs involved with eye care field,” Michael explains.
During medical school, he was greatly influenced by Dr. Barrett Haik, the program director and medical director of the Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, at Tulane University.
“Providing research and performing case studies for Dr. Haik, solidified my desire to work as an Ophthalmologist,” explains Michael.
Michael received a Naval scholarship after graduating from medical school and began his internship at the Portsmouth Naval Hospital, in Portsmouth Virginia. During his internship, he was afforded the opportunity to travel halfway around the globe to Okinawa, Japan, and work for a year as a senior medical officer.
“While I was in Japan, I was able to spend some time in Thailand as well,” he recalls. “It was a long way from Ann Arbor, that’s for sure. But it gave me perspective about being around all kinds of people and cultures, something that helps me relate better to my patients today.”
Michael returned to the States and moved to New Orleans to find two very important opportunities awaiting him. The first was a residency in Ophthalmology at Ochsner Hospital and second was a date with destiny when he met his future wife and Ophthalmologist, Doris Chou, M.D.
It was here Michael worked in clinics and performed surgery, traveling 
around the area to all parts of southern Louisiana and Mobile, Alabama. During his Ophthalmic training at Ochsner Hospital, he received meritorious commendation awards and was made chief resident.
It was now time for the real world of eye care and it just so happens that Magruder Eye Institute was looking for a Comprehensive Ophthalmologist.
“Magruder Eye Institute presented a perfect fit for my wife and me,” Michael recalls.
Now twenty years and three kids later, he is still practicing General Ophthalmology at Magruder Eye Institute, with concentrations on cataract and implant surgery, anterior segment, laser, and eyelid surgery.
Living in Winter Park, Florida, is the perfect area to enjoy his hobbies of golf and scuba diving. He occasionally gets to play and dive but most of his time is spent at the soccer & football fields, cheering on his three kids.
“We love it here in Orlando. My kids, my wife and I are dug in here,” he explains. “It’s a great feeling of community and we want to stay here. As a doctor, I couldn’t be a part of a better practice than the Magruder Eye Institute. I am surrounded by the best in the business, which enables grow as a doctor and get better at what I do, every day.”
Dr. Pohlod sees patients in our Mills Avenue office in Orlando, as well as our Kissimmee and Lake Nona locations. To schedule an appointment, call (407) 893-8200.
